MAKE 2021 YOUR YEAR

 

Prioritise Health

Health truly is wealth – we don’t need more reminders, but we do need to act on it. That means working towards optimum health in every possible way and not being simply contented with average conditions. Remember, “everything in moderation” means that even your health will be only moderate.

When was your last medical check-up? It’s a good idea to start the year with a clear picture of where you are, health wise, so that you can plan and work towards improving it as the months go by. Here are more ways to keep your health in check in 2021.

Stay Active

We can’t stress this enough: Get on your feet and get moving! Even if it’s just a 20-minute walk on the treadmill two to three times a week, the simple truth is that regular exercise contributes greatly to your overall well-being and this has been proven in numerous studies. Don’t have a regular workout routine yet? Now would be a good time to sign up for one.

Eat Functionally

Want to make your workouts go even further? Get your nutrition levels up to par. Exercise can make you healthier but it cannot replace a bad diet. Get to know your body and what it needs, then feed it the kind of food that best nourishes it. At the very least, choose fresh and whole foods over processed junk. Fill up on water (aim for 3 litres a day) and minimise refined carbs and sugar.

Start by paying attention to your hunger – is it a real, physiological need for food or is it an emotionally-driven cry for attention or help? Sometimes, we can confuse boredom or loneliness for hunger and reach for that bag of potato chips when we’re actually craving human connection. Or have you ever found yourself munching mindlessly while trying to hit that 5pm deadline? Understanding the psychology behind why you eat will go a long way towards how you eat.

From Pivot to Propel

Last year was about rolling up your sleeves and fighting for survival. The battle has made you stronger so the 2021 version of you is definitely more resilient and ready to grab the bull by the horns. From thinking on our feet and pivoting in order to meet new norms, we now want to think about propelling ourselves forward. Opportunities not coming your way? Create them! List down your skills, strengths and interests, and look for ways to put them to good use. Start an online business, teach a Zoom class, volunteer where help is needed … one step at a time and eventually you’ll get where you’re meant to be.

Flex and Adapt

Even the best laid plans of mice and men can go awry and 2020 has proven that in so many ways. We’re not saying to not have any goals or aims in mind but as the Boy Scouts’ motto goes, “be prepared” – to adapt, to change, for plans to get altered at a moment’s notice. Go with the flow and see where it takes you. If nothing else, at least you’ll have an easier time because going against the tide is always an uphill battle.